A review by mauricekofi
Missionaries by Phil Klay

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

What this book lacks in explicit criticism of the American war machine and empire, it makes up for with the logical disillusionment of its ground-level actors. The soldiers, civilians, war journalists, terrorists/combatants, etc. And within that is the the criticism, the disconnect of high-minded global "solutions" from military and govt officials with the people on the ground dealing with the consequences of such solutions. I do not believe Klay embodies the values and beliefs of his characters, but rather the characters are clearly representations of the systems and ideals that operate in this world America attempts to influence and impact. And despite the disillusionment of each of its actors, none of the characters seem to lack self accountability in regards to their actions in these conflicts. The soldier is fully conscious of how he contributes to the machine, even if his agency is limited to his own self.